School Social Work Licensure Preparation Program

School Social Work Licensure Preparation Program is offered for students who have already completed an MSW program from a CSWE accredited school.

Students completing this program will:

• Meet all the requirements for recommendation to the TSPC (Teacher Standards and Practices Commission) for School Social Work Licensure.
• Demonstrate excellence in applying social work professional judgment and using clinical skills in the K-12 school setting.

The mission of George Fox University’s College of Social Work Masters Program is to prepare graduates for worldwide leadership and service as social work professionals who integrate the values, knowledge, and skills of social work with the highest competence and ethical integrity within public and private human service organizations, faith communities, and religiously affiliated agencies. The mission of the Standalone SSW program specifically is to prepare candidates for the School Social Worker License. Candidates who complete the program are interdisciplinary leaders who have the knowledge, skill, ability, and cultural competence to develop and deliver school social worker services that demonstrate continuous improvement, and advance the mission of the school.

For the Standalone SSW program, the applicant’s packet will be considered complete when the following components have been received:

1. A completed online application and application processing fee including an official transcript from the college where the applicant received their MSW.
2. A written response to questions related to the applicant’s reason for applying, professional goals and interest, work and/or volunteer experiences, and reflection on case-related materials.
3. Recommendations: Three strong professional references who can attest to the applicant’s ability in these areas: intellectual competence; potential for academic success; the ability to work with people around sensitive issues, including people from diverse backgrounds; possession of critical thinking and communication skills; a sense of values and ethics; and potential as a professional social worker. At least one of the recommenders must be an academic reference having been the instructor of the applicant in a classroom setting. Also, at least one of the recommenders must be a professional reference who had substantial opportunity to observe the applicant during their MSW practicum placement.  Recommenders must submit these directly to the College of Social Work graduate program using the online link provided.  If a letter is included, the letters must be written on institutional or business letterhead. 
4. Current resume. 
5. Copy of MSW final practicum learning agreement, showing competence in each of the nine social work core competencies.

For the Standalone SSW program, students may transfer a maximum of 3 semester credits from another CSWE accredited social work program; completed practicum hours/credits cannot be transferred. The MSW Program Director will make decisions about acceptance of transfer of credit upon admission to the program.

Students must have earned a grade of B or better for a course to be considered for transfer.  The coursework must have been done within five years prior to the application to the standalone Social Work Licensure Preparation Program at George Fox University.

In order to successfully complete this program and earn recommendation to TSPC for a School Social Work License, the student must:

1. Complete the five required courses with a B (83) or higher. 
2. Successfully complete a 800 hour practicum experience in a K-12 school setting with a B (83) or higher. This practicum has a required accompanying seminar. 
3. Complete Civil Rights in Educational Environments Modules and pass all included quizzes.

All students participating in this program must successfully complete a 800 hour practicum experience in a K-12 school setting with a B (83) or higher.

For students who have completed a CSWE accredited MSW program and are currently working in a school setting, the practicum requirement may be waived, but further documentation will be required.

Accreditation for this program is provided by TSPC. The Teacher Standards and Practices Commission maintains and improves performance in the education profession by approving school personnel preparation programs offered by Oregon colleges and universities. The GFU School Social Work Licensure Preparation Program has been approved by the TSPC to recommend students for licensure.